The Ijaw Nation Development Group (INDG) has expressed its appreciation to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity by recognizing and installing five additional Ijaw kings in Arogbo-Ijaw kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
The installation of these new kings, which occurred on Thursday, marks an important milestone for the Ijaw community in the state. The presentation of staff of office to the new kings by the state government has been received with great appreciation by the Ijaw people.
In an interview with the President of INDG, Benjamin Nanaghan in Lagos, he applauded Governor Akeredolu for his inclusive governance style and even spread of development projects. He went on to congratulate the newly-installed kings, urging them to keep the Ijaw flag flying by propagating and preserving its revered culture in a manner reflective of the multi-ethnic nature of the state.
Mr Nanaghan further expressed his satisfaction with the Governor’s leadership approach, stating that he had written his name in gold and shown exemplary leadership in recognising and harnessing the ethnic diversity of the state for peaceful co-existence. According to him, the entire Niger Delta region needs such a leadership approach.
“We express the appreciation of all Ijaws in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to the governor. This development has given a sense of belonging to all Ijaws in the Niger Delta region and we feel a sense of duty to express our gratitude to the act of justice and equity to the Ijaws,” said Mr Nanaghan.
The Ijaw community has a long history of being marginalized in many parts of Nigeria, including Ondo State. They have often been denied the opportunity to participate fully in the political and economic development of their communities. However, the recognition and installation of the new Ijaw kings represent a significant shift towards recognizing and promoting the Ijaw culture.
The ancestral domains of the Ijaws are endowed with oil and gas reserves, which provide derivation revenue being used to develop other parts of the states. It is therefore important for the Ijaws to be accorded respect in the states and local government areas they have been arbitrarily balkanised into.
“INDG decries all acts of land grabbing, marginalisation, denial and distortion of the Ijaw cultural heritage under any guise which are ongoing in some states in the region,” Mr Nanaghan added.
The installation of the new kings will help to promote the Ijaw culture and bring greater awareness to the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development of the Niger Delta region. It is important for other states in the region to follow Governor Akeredolu’s lead and recognize the Ijaw people as one of the oldest aboriginal settlers in the region.
The Ijaw people have contributed immensely to the economic development of the region, and it is only fair that they are accorded the respect and recognition they deserve. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, we can achieve sustainable development and peaceful co-existence among different ethnic groups in the region.
The Ijaw Nation Development Group commends Governor Akeredolu for his leadership style and urges other governors in the region to follow suit. The Ijaws are an important ethnic group in the region, and their cultural heritage must be preserved and promoted.
The installation of the new kings also represents an opportunity for the Ijaw people to participate more fully in the political and economic development of their communities. The Ijaw community has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of the region, and it is important that they are given the opportunity to do so.
In conclusion, the INDG commends Governor Akeredolu for his leadership style and urges other governors in the region to follow suit. The recognition and installation of the five new Ijaw kings in Ondo State is a positive step towards promoting diversity and peaceful co-existence among different ethnic groups in the state, and it is important for other states in the region to emulate this example. The Ijaws have contributed significantly to the economic development of the region and deserve respect and recognition for their heritage and culture.
